Eric Karabell

  (11:00 AM)

Hello and welcome to a fantasy baseball/football chat session. Let's get right to the questions...

Adam (Ny, Ny)

Any update on Hanley? When is he expected back?

Eric Karabell

  (11:02 AM)

Latest word is that Hanley Ramirez could return to the Florida lineup on Friday, but we could also find out any day that he needs a DL stint. Be cautious here if you're about to trade for him.

Pete

Eric, What is going ion with matt cain, will he be able to turn it around he seems to be lacking his strikeout pitch once he gets too two strikes?

Eric Karabell

  (11:02 AM)

I've noticed that as well. Cain has great stuff, but doesn't put batters away enough, and seems to make a critical mistake in each outing that costs him a chance to win. I wouldn't cut him, necessarily, but I don't expect the same final two months as last season.

Rusty(Long Beach, NY)

Joey Votto. Thoughts...comments....

Eric Karabell

  (11:05 AM)

I am a bit surprised that Votto isn't up already, because his bat looks ready and it's not like the Reds are going anywhere or Scott Hatteberg needs to play. When Votto comes up, he should hit for power. Might not be until September.

Ahmed Adudi (NYC)

Is the following mathematical statement true? Matt Leinart 2007 = Carson Palmer 2005

Eric Karabell

  (11:06 AM)

I do think Leinart is in for a bit of a breakout season, but I'm not going that far. For Leinart to top 30 TDs seems a stretch, but 25, could be.

John (WI)

FFB? Would you trade your 1st round pick (#5) for a 2nd and 3rd round pick (#23 and #26)?

Eric Karabell

  (11:08 AM)

I generally would not, because football is about the stars, and your best shot to get one is in round one. However, in a draft with obvious picks in the top three, and other good ones for the next three or four, I could see trading a late first-rounder.

Canniz (NYC):

Eric, please help, in a vacuum for the rest of the season, please rank these catchers: Ramon H, Piazza, AJ or LoDuca, thanks!

Eric Karabell

  (11:09 AM)

I will stick with Ramon Hernandez first, then go Piazza, Pierzynski and Lo Duca. Or just like you mentioned them. I really think Piazza can help fantasy owners down the stretch, no matter where he plays.

Jim (Dayton, OH)

I don't understand why everybody is so down on Scott Hatteberg? He's batting .310 with 8 HR's...the Reds aren't going to bench a productive player like that for a minor leaguer. THey will have to trade him in order for Votto to get any playing time.

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

It's not that Hatteberg is bad, but he's not hitting for much power and he plays a power position, plus he's 37 years old. It's not like he's a major part of the team's future. He's exactly the type of player who gets dealt or flat-out sat for a hotshot minor leaguer, really.

John (Pitman, NJ)

Quick question, Senor Karabell: Phil Hughes or Yovani Gallardo, this season only? Pretty much would be used for depth down the home stretch...

Eric Karabell

  (11:11 AM)

I say Gallardo. Nothing against Hughes, who is just as highly regarded, but I've seen Gallardo do nothing wrong so far. I trust him already. Hughes might get there, but Gallardo is there now.

Jimmy (New Orleans)

Do you think picking the Bears defense in the 6th round is too high? Also, McNabb and Roethlisberger a good QB combo?

Eric Karabell

  (11:13 AM)

I think taking any defense in the sixth round is too high, personally. Yes, the Bears are good, but you can still get No. 2 receivers in that round, and a No. 3 RB. And your QB tandem seems fine. Hopefully McNabb can make it through the entire season. Big Ben seems like a breakout candidate to me with the new Pittsburgh offense.

Darius (Minneapolis)

Any news on the injury to Chris Ray and do you see Baltimore closer situation as a committe until he gets back?

Eric Karabell

  (11:15 AM)

I'm hearing he either has been placed on the DL or it's imminent. Jamie Walker got the save Tuesday, but he was facing lefties. Chad Bradford (or Paul Shuey) could figure in, and there's always ol' standby Danys Baez.

Joe (Huntsville,AL)

Is Joey Harrington a good backup QB to get in the late rounds?

Eric Karabell

  (11:16 AM)

Well, I can't say the word "good" and Harrington in the same sentence, but I do think there's a chance he could surprise by throwing more TD passes than INTs. Good backup in fantasy? Not in a 12-team league.

Mike (Seattle)

Is Brandon Phillips the clear cut #2 second baseman for the next few years?

Eric Karabell

  (11:17 AM)

I don't think you can say anything about clear-cut ranks more than a year in advance. Phillips is No. 2 right now (and really close to Chase Utley for No. 1), but let's not get ahead of ourselves. Phillips could go 30/30! Unreal! Third round in 2008? It's possible.

Kev (NYC)

Where would you draft Brandon jacobs?

Eric Karabell

  (11:20 AM)

Personally, I am not real high on him as a safe No. 2 fantasy RB, because he remains unproven as an everydown back, and the Giants brought in someone who has more experience and can still produce in Reuben Droughns. Chances are Jacobs goes in round 3 in many leagues, but I wouldn't take him there. Maybe round four, I suppose.

Scott (MI)

Over/under 1700 yards and 14 TD for Addai??

Eric Karabell

  (11:21 AM)

Under. I like the guy, but let's not go overboard. When's the last time Edge James did that for the Colts? In 2000? Those are incredible stats.

Chris (Providence, RI)

Eric, 7 steals separate the top 4 in my AL only league. I have Lofton. Do you think that he will still be useful 1 week from today? Thanks.

Eric Karabell

  (11:22 AM)

I don't see why Lofton would either be benched by Texas or ignored by his potential new team. I don't think he steals 10 bases a month, but 5 or so, sure.

Dil (NJ)

Hey no cutting. 2 football questions back to back. It is baseball question's turn. Which side do you like better. Pujols and Zito or Derek Lee, Tim Hudson and Dempster. Thanks

Eric Karabell

  (11:23 AM)

Well, I almost always take the side with Pujols, but I like Hudson, Lee might be motivated to run more, and there's nothing wrong with Dempster at all. So I take that side.

Eric (Columbus)

Do you see any Atlanta QB being fantasy relevant this year? Harrington stinks....think they'll make a move for Culpepper or someone else? I hear Drew Bledsoe will un-retire for a starting gig (kidding).

Eric Karabell

  (11:25 AM)

It's a shame, because Matt Schaub might have been relevant, but then again, there's not a ton to like at wide receiver. Without Vick - and I still don't think it's a given he misses the season - this team has to re-write the playbook.

Wes (Columbus, OH)

Eric, love the chats? Aside from Teix, which you talked about today, are there really any other trades which will happen before next week? Also, did you read the new Harry Potter yet?

Eric Karabell

  (11:29 AM)

I bought the Harry Potter book for the kids, and I saw the movie with them a few weeks ago. I even broke out the old glasses! I think the main guys to watch in trades are relievers, like Gagne, C.Cordero. Most hitters who get dealt, they retain value.

Marc (Toronto, Canada)

The daily notes said to sit Blanton today in mixed leagues. Do you agree? He's been one of my better pitchers all year, granted he got smoked last game!

Eric Karabell

  (11:31 AM)

Well, personally I do not sit safe pitchers, no matter the matchup, but that doesn't mean others shouldn't. I respect those daily notes and look at them every day. I would not sit Blanton, unless I thought he was hurt or there was a trend to watch.

Johnny O (Randolph, NJ)

Tell me Gallardo stays in the rotation all year.

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

Well, I wouldn't take him out of the rotation, but it's possible the Brewers will do that when Ben Sheets returns. Remember, the Brewers could use Gallardo in the bullpen, especially now that Turnbow is imploding. I do think he'll stay in the rotation, and that if Sheets comes back, they'd find room.

Leo (Millbury,Ma)

Any trade rumblings that you are hearing? Do you think we will see blockbusters or fizzle like last year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:37 AM)

It's usually fizzle, but even minor trades can affect fantasy, like if Trachsel gets moved, we'd see Olson come up, stuff like that.

Dave (Phila.)

Fantasy Football question. I'm in a 12 team keeper league. I have to choose between Alexander and Bush as my last keeper. The league awards a half point per reception. Should i be worried about Alexanders foot issues from last year? Who would you keep.

Eric Karabell

  (11:38 AM)

I would seriously consider Bush over Alexander, to be honest. I am concerned about Alexander's age, mileage and foot, but Bush looks terrific, especially when receptions are rewarded.

Jim (ATL)

What are your thoughts on Ahman Green this year?

Eric Karabell

  (11:39 AM)

I find it hard to believe he can have a great season, which would be more than 1,200 or so yards and eight touchdowns, based on that o-line and Green's general health. It's possible though. Chances are I won't be the one getting him in most leagues.

Mat (DC)

Eric, how is NO ONE asking about Chris Young? he right now is one of the best pitchers in the league...what's the story here? I heard precautionary...

Eric Karabell

  (11:40 AM)

We don't know yet how serious the oblique strain is. I think the Padres were just being extra cautious, which is wise. Don't panic in fantasy, he might not even miss a start.

Rob, Boston

What's up with the KING, is it time to let him go? He's been maddingly incosistent...

Eric Karabell

  (11:41 AM)

Felix Hernandez needs a new nickname. I don't necessarily let him go, but I don't consider him an ace. He's got to prove he can go seven innings without getting lit consistently.

Chris(Smithtown,NY)

I like to think that this will be the year Eli throw for 4000 yards and has 30/10 TD/INT ratio but the Giants released his Left Tackle and I have seen nothing out of Coughlin or his myriad of QB coaches to suggest that they can help Eli progress. Your thoughts?

Eric Karabell

  (11:43 AM)

I think Eli will have a season like that at some point, but it's time to stop blaming the coaches and the line. He needs to make better decisions, and be more consistent. I'd think that will happen at some point. For now, I give him 25 TDs, 18 INTs, maybe 3,500 yards. That's not bad. He's a starter in 12-team leagues.

Scott (MI)

Who are you taking with the 3rd pick in the draft this year with std. scoring and rosters?

Eric Karabell

  (11:45 AM)

Until I get scared off, it's LT, Jackson and Larry Johnson third for me. But I would consider changing that if this holdout continues into late August.

Steve (Las Vegas)

Do you think Lenny DiNardo is legit? A 2.41 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP looks pretty legit to me.

Eric Karabell

  (11:47 AM)

Yeah, he looks good, but he still scares me a bit. I just dealt him in a league, thinking how could this continue?

Jason (Scarsdale NY)

do you think Adrian Gonzalez (as a 9th rounder in a 12 team ML roster league) is a good value as a keeper?

Eric Karabell

  (11:52 AM)

He's a solid 30-100 guy, though earlier this season I thought he was going to be more than that. Not a bad keeper, I suppose, but there are more than 10 better first basemen.

Sid (Portland, Maine)

Will Teahen hit for more power?

Eric Karabell

  (11:53 AM)

It sure doesn't look like it. He's a big disappointment to me. He might hit 10 homers all season, which is horrible considering the stretch of power he showed last year.

Matt (MN)

With Bill Hall coming off the DL, do I drop him, Lugo, or Fontenot? I am weak at BA, HR, and steals

Eric Karabell

  (11:54 AM)

Well, I doubt Fontenot keeps up what he's been doing. Hall still has good power, and Lugo still runs. Fontenot hitting .330 remains surprising.

Lynn(Denver)

Whats your opinion on Kitna as a fantasy starter this year? Opinion on him ranges from top 5 qb to down into the 20's. He certainly has the weapons but he does make mistakes, your take?

Eric Karabell

  (11:56 AM)

Well, I can't see how Kitna would be a top-5 fantasy QB, unless interceptions don't count at all and you think he'll have the same type of season. I'd expect some dropoff, and because of the INTs I can't regard him as a top-12 guy. As a backup and spot starter, I can see that.

Joe NY

Bay's 2 homers... do you think he will turn it around? is he a buy low, worth trading a guy like Juan Pierre for?

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

I don't think Bay hitting 2 HRs means a hot streak is coming, or anything like that. He's hitting .252. It was a good game. He'll end up at 25-90, which is disappointing, but we might find out in November he was hurt. Who knows? As for the decline in steals, it's time we stop expecting them.

Eric Karabell

  (11:58 AM)

OK, thank you for the fine questions and enjoy your Wednesday. There's another chat session coming up later. Adios!